Best 7 seater SUVs UK 2025: top family cars compared
Finding the perfect 7 seater SUV for your family requires careful consideration of space, safety, and practicality. We’ve analysed the UK market to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best family-friendly SUVs available in 2025.
Top premium 7 seater SUVs
BMW X7: luxury and space combined
The BMW X7 stands at the pinnacle of luxury 7 seater SUVs, offering exceptional comfort and space. With its vast interior and genuinely usable third-row seats, it surpasses competitors like the Audi Q7 in terms of passenger space. The X7 comes with powerful engine options and advanced technology features that make it a compelling choice for families seeking premium transportation.
Audi Q7: refined family transport
Starting from £66,530, the Audi Q7 delivers exceptional ride comfort and interior quality. The sliding second row provides flexible space management, while the range of engines, including a 335bhp V6 petrol and two V6 diesel options, ensures strong performance. However, the third-row space is slightly more cramped compared to the BMW X7.
Best value 7 seater SUVs
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe represents excellent value for families, combining practicality with comfort. Notable features include:
- Smooth and powerful engines
- Superb interior quality
- Easy third-row access
- Comfortable ride quality
Kia Sorento: practical excellence
The Kia Sorento has established itself as a practical family choice, offering impressive features at a competitive price point. The hybrid model delivers excellent fuel efficiency, achieving up to 42.2mpg, while maintaining comfortable seating for seven passengers.
Skoda Kodiaq: smart family choice
The Skoda Kodiaq delivers outstanding value with its combination of space, comfort, and practical features. It offers:
- Generous boot space (270 litres with all seats up)
- Sliding second-row seats
- Choice of petrol and diesel engines
- Strong safety credentials
While the third row is best suited for children, the Kodiaq’s overall package makes it a compelling choice for growing families. Its competitive pricing and reputation for reliability have made it a popular option in the UK market.
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Luxury vs budget 7 seater SUV comparison
When comparing luxury and budget 7 seater SUVs in the UK market, there are significant differences in features, performance, and price points that buyers should consider. Let’s explore how premium and affordable options stack up against each other.
Premium segment highlights
In the luxury segment, the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 stand out as leading choices. The BMW X7, starting from £69,800, offers exceptional interior space and premium features including powerful engine options ranging from a 352hp diesel to a 530hp M60i petrol engine. The cabin provides true seven-seat capability with generous space even in the third row, making it a practical choice for larger families despite its luxury positioning.
The Audi Q7 starts at £66,530 and delivers outstanding ride comfort, exceptional build quality, and sophisticated technology features. It comes with various engine choices, including a 335bhp V6 petrol and two V6 diesel options, though third-row space is slightly more limited compared to the X7.
Budget-friendly alternatives
At the more affordable end of the spectrum, several manufacturers offer compelling options that provide excellent value for money. The Dacia Jogger stands out as the most budget-friendly 7-seater in the UK, with prices starting from around £15,000. While it offers good comfort and practicality, it’s worth noting its one-star Euro NCAP safety rating from 2021.
The Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq represent the sweet spot between affordability and features. Both start from around £30,000 and offer:
- Practical interior layouts with flexible seating configurations
- Modern safety features and technology
- Efficient engine options for better running costs
- Strong build quality despite the lower price point
Key differences between premium and budget models
The main distinctions between luxury and budget 7 seater SUVs include:
- Material quality and interior finish
- Advanced technology features and driver assistance systems
- Engine performance and refinement
- Third-row space and comfort
- Brand prestige and resale value
While premium models offer superior refinement and advanced features, many budget-friendly options now include previously exclusive features like adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, and modern infotainment systems, narrowing the gap in terms of practical functionality.
Family safety features and space guide
When it comes to family-focused 7-seater SUVs, safety features and interior space are paramount considerations. Let’s explore how the top models stack up in these crucial areas.
Safety features and ratings
Modern 7-seater SUVs come equipped with comprehensive safety features to protect all occupants. The Hyundai Santa Fe leads the pack with its impressive safety credentials, including:
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Multiple airbags including curtain airbags for all three rows
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
The BMW X7 takes safety to another level with its sophisticated driver assistance package, featuring semi-autonomous driving capabilities and an advanced parking assistant system. Meanwhile, the Skoda Kodiaq maintains its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, demonstrating exceptional protection for both adults and children.
Interior space and versatility
Space configuration varies significantly between models. The BMW X7 offers class-leading space with genuine adult-sized third-row seating, while many competitors reserve their rearmost seats for children or occasional use.
- Second-row flexibility: Most models feature sliding and reclining second-row seats
- Third-row access: Easy-fold mechanisms for simple entry and exit
- Boot space: Varying from 230 to 750 litres depending on seat configuration
Child-friendly features
Modern family SUVs incorporate numerous child-friendly features. The Skoda Kodiaq stands out with practical amenities including:
- Multiple ISOFIX points for secure child seat installation
- Integrated sunblinds for rear passengers
- Child locks on rear doors
- Easy-clean upholstery options
- Rear-seat entertainment systems (model dependent)
Storage solutions are another crucial aspect for family life. Most models offer numerous cubby holes, cup holders, and storage bins throughout the cabin. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento particularly excel in this area, with thoughtful touches like under-floor storage compartments and generous door bins.
Climate control and comfort
Keeping all passengers comfortable is essential for family journeys. Premium models like the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 offer tri-zone or quad-zone climate control, ensuring optimal temperature management throughout the cabin. Most models also feature:
- Individual air vents for all three rows
- Heated seats (at least in the first two rows)
- Optional climate packages for rear passengers
- Air quality monitoring systems
Running costs and fuel economy
When considering a 7 seater SUV, understanding the running costs and fuel economy is crucial for making an informed decision. Let’s examine the key factors that affect long-term ownership expenses.
Fuel efficiency comparison
Different models offer varying levels of fuel efficiency, with hybrid options generally providing the best economy:
- Audi Q7 PHEV: Leading the pack with up to 134.5mpg in hybrid mode, though real-world figures are typically lower
- Skoda Kodiaq: Offers impressive efficiency between 35-50mpg, making it one of the more economical choices
- Hyundai Santa Fe: Achieves 30-40mpg for diesel variants, representing good middle-ground efficiency
- BMW X7: Returns 20-30mpg, reflecting its focus on performance over economy
Maintenance expenses
Maintenance costs vary significantly between premium and mainstream brands. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for its excellent warranty coverage and lower repair costs, while premium models like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 typically incur higher maintenance expenses due to their sophisticated technology and premium parts.
Long-term ownership considerations
When evaluating total ownership costs, several factors come into play:
- Depreciation rates: Premium models typically experience steeper value decline
- Insurance costs: Larger, more expensive vehicles generally command higher premiums
- Service intervals: Regular maintenance schedules vary between manufacturers
- Parts availability: Mainstream brands often offer more affordable replacement components
The Skoda Kodiaq emerges as one of the most cost-effective options, balancing purchase price, fuel efficiency, and maintenance costs. For those seeking premium features, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers an excellent compromise between luxury and running costs.
Reliability factors
Reliability directly impacts long-term costs, with some models performing notably better than others:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: Achieves an impressive 98.9% reliability rating
- Land Rover Defender: Scores 96.3%, though with more frequent minor issues
- Skoda Kodiaq: Known for consistent reliability and reasonable repair costs
The choice between premium and mainstream brands significantly affects overall running costs. While luxury models like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 offer superior features and performance, they come with higher maintenance expenses and fuel costs. In contrast, vehicles like the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe provide excellent value with lower running costs while maintaining good quality standards.
Best value 7 seater SUV recommendations
When looking for the best value 7 seater SUVs in the UK market, several models stand out for their combination of practicality, features, and affordability. Here’s our detailed analysis of the top value-focused recommendations for 2025:
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq remains one of the most compelling value propositions in the 7 seater SUV segment. Starting from around £30,000, it offers exceptional space utilisation, robust build quality, and impressive fuel economy ranging from 35-50mpg depending on engine choice. The Kodiaq particularly excels with:
- Generous 270-litre boot space with all seats up
- Expandable to 2,065 litres with rear seats folded
- Choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines
- Strong safety credentials with five-star Euro NCAP rating
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers exceptional value with its comprehensive package. Starting at £46,800, it delivers premium features and build quality at a competitive price point. Notable value features include:
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Low maintenance costs and excellent reliability scores
- Comprehensive standard equipment list
- Strong fuel efficiency ratings of 30-40mpg
Kia Sorento
Starting from around £42,000, the Kia Sorento represents excellent value in the mid-range segment. It combines practical features with robust build quality and includes:
- Spacious third-row seating suitable for adults
- Impressive 32-40mpg fuel efficiency
- Comprehensive 7-year warranty
- High-quality interior materials
Dacia Jogger
For budget-conscious buyers, the Dacia Jogger presents an incredibly affordable entry point to 7 seater ownership. Starting from just £15,000, it offers:
- The lowest purchase price in the segment
- Good standard equipment levels
- Practical interior layout
- Efficient running costs
SEAT Tarraco
The SEAT Tarraco strikes an excellent balance between affordability and premium features. Starting from around £30,000, key value propositions include:
- Strong fuel economy of 30-45mpg
- Sporty driving dynamics
- Generous standard equipment
- Practical 230-litre boot space with all seats up
When considering value-focused 7 seater SUVs, it’s essential to look beyond the initial purchase price. Factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, warranty coverage, and predicted residual values all contribute to the total cost of ownership. The models highlighted above excel in delivering strong performance across these key value metrics while maintaining high standards of quality and practicality.